The hummingbird moth is a type of moth that is often mistaken for an actual hummingbird due to its similar appearance and behavior. With their fast-beating wings and ability to hover in midair while feeding on flowers, these moths closely resemble their avian counterparts.
What are hummingbird moths?
Hummingbird moths, also sometimes called hawk moths, are a group of moths belonging to the Sphingidae family. There are over 1,500 species of hawk moths around the world, and many of them have characteristics that cause them to resemble hummingbirds.
Some key features that give hummingbird moths their name and enable them to mimic hummingbirds include:
- Long, needle-like snouts – Used to drink nectar from flowers while hovering, similar to hummingbirds.
- Rapidly beating wings – Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover and fly swiftly from flower to flower.
- Small, compact bodies – Like hummingbirds, they have slender bodies and long narrowed wings adapted for sustained hovering flight.
- Ability to fly backwards – They can rapidly reverse direction while feeding, just as hummingbirds can.
- Iridescent coloring – Green, gold, or reddish iridescent markings help camouflage them among flowers.
This unique appearance and behavior allows hummingbird moths to mimic true hummingbirds, perhaps as a defensive mechanism against predators. Many species rely on camouflage and mimicry to avoid predators and survive.
Common species of hummingbird moth
While over 1,000 species of hummingbird moths exist globally, some of the most common species mistaken for hummingbirds include:
- White-lined sphinx moth – Very widespread across North America and known for hovering while feeding on nectar from garden flowers.
- Hummingbird clearwing moth – Named for its clear wings and found throughout the Americas. It feeds during daylight hours just like hummingbirds.
- Snowberry clearwing moth – Closely resembles bumblebees rather than hummingbirds but has a similar feeding behavior.
- Bedstraw hawkmoth – A European species with a very long proboscis for drinking nectar from flowers like roses and honeysuckle.
- Five-spotted hawkmoth – An eastern North American species that feeds from flowering plants like petunias and phlox.
When observing these moths in the wild or garden, many people do a double take thinking they are looking at a tiny hummingbird instead. The resemblance is so uncanny that even avid birdwatchers can mistake a moth for a bird.
Differences between hummingbird moths and true hummingbirds
Despite the similar appearance, there are some key differences between hummingbird moths and true hummingbirds:
| Hummingbird Moth | True Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Insect (order Lepidoptera) | Bird (order Apodiformes) |
| Two pairs of wings covered in scales | One pair of feathered wings |
| Long protruding proboscis | Long needle-like bill |
| Antennae | No antennae |
| Active primarily at dusk/night | Active primarily during the day |
| Live for a few weeks as adults | Can live several years |
The differing antennae, scales on wings, activity patterns, and lifespans help set the two creatures apart. Looking closely, hummingbird moths also have a fuzzier, more rounded abdomen versus the sleek body of a hummingbird.
Feeding behavior
Both hummingbird moths and hummingbirds have specialized adaptations allowing them to hover and drink nectar while in flight. Their rapid wing-flapping creates the signature hummingbird “hum” as they visit flowers.
Some key differences in feeding behavior:
- Hummingbird moths prefer nectar from lighter or pale colored flowers. Hummingbirds pollinate a wider variety of flowering plants.
- Hummingbirds have longer, more slender bills to delve deeper into certain flowers. Moth proboscises are shorter.
- Hummingbirds build nests and feed on small insects along with nectar. Hummingbird moths do not nest and only drink nectar.
- Moth proboscises coil up at rest while hummingbird beaks remain straight. This can be a visual clue to tell them apart.
Both pollinators play important ecological roles with their nectar feeding. Hummingbirds cover wider territory seeking scattered flowers while moths play a key role in pollinating select flower species preferred by their shorter proboscises.
Attracting hummingbird moths to gardens
To bring these fascinating moths into backyard gardens, try planting nectar-rich flowers that attract them. Some top flower choices include:
- Petunias
- Bee balm
- Verbena
- Lilac
- Butterfly bush
- Clover
- Rhododendron
- Honeysuckle
- Lantana
- Mint
Plant flowers in bright colors like pink, purple, red, and orange that moths are visually drawn to. Have flowering plants available over the entire growing season for moths to feed on.
Other tips to attract hummingbird moths:
- Avoid pesticides that could be harmful to moths
- Position feeders/flowers out of direct wind and rain
- Provide shady areas for moths to rest
- Leave some areas wild with native plants that provide food sources
With the right habitat, it is a delight to watch hummingbird moths gracefully hover among the flowers. This mutually beneficial relationship provides food for the moths while they pollinate backyard blooms.
Conclusion
Hummingbird moths are fascinating insects that have evolved to closely resemble true hummingbirds through both appearance and behavior. While they may seem like tiny birds at first glance, observing them closely reveals key differences like their antennae, wings, feeding patterns, and lifespan. Attracting these important pollinators to gardens is as simple as planting the nectar-rich flowers they love to fuel their rapid metabolisms. So next time a “hummingbird” visits your flowers, look closely – it may actually be a clever moth!
